Petro Convenes Popular Consultation Amid Reform Setbacks
President Gustavo Petro is currently facing a critical juncture as his key reforms, particularly in labor and health, are struggling to gain traction in the Colombian Congress. In response, Petro is now turning to a popular consultation as a mechanism to directly engage the citizenry. This move, while aimed at overcoming what he perceives as institutional blockades, is also being viewed by some as a high-stakes gamble that could potentially backfire, transforming into a de facto plebiscite on his administration. The consultation is being framed as a way to bypass the legislative gridlock and allow the people to directly decide on the future of the proposed reforms.
The Impetus Behind the Consultation
The decision to pursue a popular consultation comes in the wake of significant setbacks in Congress, where opposition to Petro’s reforms has been mounting. According to Pulzo.com, the President believes that “the opposition has risen up and there is an institutional blockade against the popular vote of 2022” (Pulzo.com, 2024). This perception of obstruction has led Petro to seek alternative routes to enact his policy agenda, emphasizing the need to overcome these blockades to ensure democracy and peace in the country. The President’s call to action includes mobilizing citizens and directly involving them in the decision-making process.
«We must convene the people to mobilize and decide directly,» Petro stated in a televised address, as reported by Pulzo.com (Pulzo.com, 2024). «This is called a popular consultation, and we will do that to decide on the labor reform and the health reform. Let the people decide.»
What is a Popular Consultation?
A popular consultation is a mechanism of citizen participation enshrined in the Colombian Constitution. It allows citizens to directly decide on matters of national, departmental, municipal, or local importance. Other mechanisms include voting, referendums, plebiscites, legislative initiatives, revocation of mandates, and open town halls, all designed to foster direct participatory democracy. The questions posed in the consultation must be designed to elicit a yes or no response, ensuring clarity and directness in the public’s decision.
Requirements for Validity
For a national popular consultation to be presented to the Senate, it requires the support of at least 5% of the electoral census—just over two million citizens, given the current census of approximately 40.9 million Colombians, according to Pulzo (Pulzo.com, 2024). Moreover, the decision is binding only if at least one-third of registered voters participate (around 13.6 million citizens) and the question receives a majority vote from those participants (approximately 6.8 million votes).
Potential Risks and Criticisms
Despite the democratic appeal of a popular consultation, critics argue that it is a risky move for Petro. Former Minister of Finance José Manuel Restrepo, as quoted by Pulzo.com, believes that the consultation is “a house in the air” and “serves no purpose other than pure politicking at the expense of Colombians” (Pulzo.com, 2024). Restrepo suggests that the funds allocated for the consultation would be better spent on social programs, questioning the practicality and effectiveness of addressing complex technical issues through a simple yes or no vote.
The timing of the consultation also raises concerns. With just over a year left in his term, Petro’s administration faces challenges including a high disapproval rating, public order issues, and economic instability. These factors could transform the consultation into a referendum on his governance, potentially leading to further instability if the outcome is unfavorable.
Opposition's Perspective
Opposition sectors, such as Cambio Radical, have welcomed Petro’s decision to use the constitutional mechanism of a popular consultation. However, they view it as a premature entry into the 2026 election campaign, suggesting that Petro is abandoning his mandate to govern effectively. The opposition plans to leverage the consultation to promote rejection of Petro’s policies, framing it as a referendum on his performance.
The Stakes for Petro
The outcome of the popular consultation carries significant implications for Petro’s political future. A favorable result would strengthen his position and pave the way for the continuation of his progressive project in the upcoming elections. Conversely, a negative outcome could lead to increased ungovernability, potentially shortening his term and exacerbating the country’s existing crises, according to Fredy Moreno from Pulzo (Pulzo.com, 2024).
- Strengths: Direct citizen engagement, bypasses legislative gridlock
- Weaknesses: Risk of becoming a referendum on Petro’s governance, potential for increased instability
As Colombia prepares for this critical decision, the stakes are high for both Petro and the country. The consultation’s outcome will likely shape the political landscape for years to come, determining the fate of key reforms and the direction of the nation.
